Strand Palace Appoints Jill Van Rest as General Manager Following Landmark Internal Promotion
News
A key figure within the hotel for over 6 years, van Rest has helped shape operations, team culture and guest satisfaction at the iconic London property.
22 May 2026 - Strand Palace, the iconic Covent Garden property known for its central location and long standing place in London’s hospitality scene, has appointed Jill van Rest as its new General Manager, the first female General Manager at the hotel since 1998, succeeding Managing Director Matthew Beard.
Jill has been part of the Strand Palace team for over six years, where she has played a central role in shaping both the guest experience and internal culture. During the global pandemic, she was instrumental in navigating one of the hotel’s most challenging periods, overseeing its transition to accommodation for military key workers and ensuring the property remained open with a clear sense of purpose. Her leadership has also driven a strong uplift in performance, with the hotel rising from position 554 into the top 100 London hotels on TripAdvisor, a significant achievement for a property of its scale.
Jill, General Manager at Strand Palace commented “It’s a privilege to step into the role of General Manager at Strand Palace, and I’m proud to build on everything the team has already achieved. Having been part of the team for several years, this role means a great deal to me, moving from hotel management to overseeing all areas of operation across the property. I look forward to continuing to elevate every part of the guest journey.”
Over Jill’s six years at Strand Palace, the hotel has undergone significant change, including a two-phase £57 million refurbishment. This has included the full redesign of all 788 bedrooms and the addition of a newly refurbished gym. In November, the hotel also expanded its Meetings and Events offering with 12 new spaces, bringing the total to 16 versatile venues for up to 250 guests, a project spearheaded by Jill.
For more information, please contact: Natalie Bigbie-Berry and her team at press@iconichotelsresorts.com
Website: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Strand Palace, 372 Strand, London, WC2R 0JJ
About Strand Palace
Welcoming guests since 1909, Strand Palace is set in the vibrant heart of London on one of the city's oldest and most distinguished streets, steps from Covent Garden and the River Thames. The hotel has 788 refurbished rooms following a multi-million-pound transformation in 2020, blending art deco style with contemporary design. Strand Palace was recognised as Best Accommodation Provider of the Year (2024) by the UKInbound Excellence Awards. Guests can enjoy British-inspired cuisine and a pre-theatre menu at Haxells Restaurant & Bar, craft cocktails at The Gin Palace, and afternoon tea in The Palace Tea Parlour. The hotel's newly launched Meeting & Events Spaces (November 2025) offer 16 state-of-the-art venues for up to 250 guests, perfect for everything from intimate board meetings to grand celebrations.